Catacombs of Paris - A Quiet Corner

Charcoal drawing on paper titled Catacombs of Paris - A Quiet Corner, 2022. The image size is 12.25 x 8.5 inches.

Paper description: 64lb Strathmore charcoal paper, 500 series, archival quality, acid-free, 100% cotton, natural white color.  

A little background story...

On a peaceful afternoon in September 2019, a week before I left Paris, I decided to venture into the Catacombs. I arrived at a time when few people were visiting, and I spent most of my time alone in the halls and various rooms.

I stopped under the ominous inscription: "ARRETE! C'EST ICI L'EMPIRE DE LA MORT". STOP! HERE LIES THE EMPIRE OF DEATH. I felt a wave of calm as I grounded myself, ready to absorb all that the ossuary had to offer.

I was entranced by the sheer number of bones before me. Many had graffiti marks, an unfortunate sight that reminded me how dense humans can be. I shifted my focus to the undisturbed and peaceful spirits instead and continued on. As I think about my time walking through those dark and dripping halls; as I recreate some of the most entrancing photos I took in charcoal, I feel grounded again.

I extend my experience and those feelings to you here.